2021 Revenues ($USD) : $22,420,382,166
2021 Revenues (foreign currencies) : DKK kr140,800,000,000
2021 R&D spend : $2,829,936,306
2021 Number of Employees : 48,478
Fiscal Year End : 12/31/2021
Leader : CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen

Bagsværd, Denmark–headquartered Novo Nordisk has traditionally focused on diabetes. Last year, the company’s treatments reached nearly 35 million people living with the disease, with sales up by 14%. Obesity treatments are helping fuel growth. Indicated for obesity, the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist Saxenda (liraglutide) saw 52% growth internationally. In North America, obesity care sales grew 57%. Novo Nordisk also saw brisk sales of Wegovy (semaglutide). Obesity care sales in the U.S. were up 58%, thanks to strong demand for both Saxenda and Wegovy. As with many other pharma companies with environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, sustainability is a priority for the company. In 2021, the company cut CO2 emissions across operations and transportation by 43% compared to 2019. Gender equity is another focus of the company’s ESG initiatives. The company aims to achieve a balanced gender representation across its managerial levels by the end of 2025. —BB